Thailand may expect the bill on casinos to be enacted in 2026.
Thailand’s casino bill is anticipated to be enacted in early 2026, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat this January 16. As reported by Post Today, the government has outlined a comprehensive schedule for the Entertainment Complex Business Act.
Following Cabinet approval, the draft law will be sent to the Council of State for a 45-day review. It will then return to the Cabinet before being submitted to Parliament by March 2025. After further deliberation, the bill is projected to become law in the first quarter of 2026.
This enactment will pave the way for the Integrated Entertainment Policy Committee to assess and announce investment conditions later in 2026. Bidding for entertainment complex projects will then open, with construction expected to begin in 2027. The government aims for completion within three to four years, ideally before the end of its current term.
Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, Prommin Lertsuridej, has disclosed that six to seven major international investors have already expressed interest in developing these complexes. These include, reportedly, Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, MGM China, Hard Rock Group, and Melco Resorts & Entertainment.
Opposition By Criminal Rings
However, the path to legalization isn't without opposition. Government spokesman Jirayu Huangtrakul revealed that security officials have reported efforts by criminal rings operating gambling dens both within Thailand and internationally to obstruct the draft bill. These groups are reportedly attempting to undermine the legislation to protect their illicit operations. The government maintains that regulated entertainment complexes offer more benefits than disadvantages and will utilize the law to ensure societal safety.
Mr. Jirayu further explained that some opposition parties have also expressed disagreement with the bill, raising concerns about existing gambling issues like online gambling, football betting, and other forms of gambling.
However, he pointed out that some of these same parties previously campaigned on promises of opening casinos or other forms of legalized gambling. He urged them to reconsider their positions and work with the government to address these complex issues.
He also mentioned that these same opposition parties have criticized the government for not doing enough to suppress illegal gambling, which they claim leads to issues like money laundering and human trafficking. The government argues that bringing these activities into a regulated framework with strict supervision is the best way to combat these problems and generate revenue for the state.
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